A fine private estate sale large French Art Nouveau patinated plaster and gesso bust of TANAGRA by the Renowned French Art Nouveau Sculptor E. Villanis. "TANAGRA" to front title plate. Signed "E. Villanis" to left shoulder. C 1880 - 1900.

This large great bust carries all the attributes of E. Villanis - fine detail - deep sculpting - hallowed eyes, Title name to base front and Villanis's signature. This is perhaps one of the most sought after of all of Villanis' sculptures - in any medium. Even these antique plaster bust by Villanis are getting rarer and harder to come by in any condition. This is one of Villanis's rarest works and is highly collectible.

Of course - this is TANAGRA, the legendary Greek Figurine. She was a very popular character during the mid to later 19th century and early 20th century. She is keeping in Villanis' known character themes of selecting renowned maidens or famous women to entitle his sculptures.

Emmanuel Villanis (1858 - 1914) was born in Lille, December 12, 1858 of Italian parents. After the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy, in March 1861, the family returned to their country and settled in Piedmont. From 1871 to 1880 Emmanuel Villanis was a student at the Academy of Fine Arts Albertina in Turin where he studied with master sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi (1831-1905). Upon his graduation, he exhibited his first works in several cities in Italy. In 1885, Emmanuel Villanis finally returned to France to live and work in Montmartre, a district of Paris which he did not leave until his death on August 28, 1914. In the nineteenth century, exhibiting at the Salon des Artistes was vital for a sculptor in terms of getting known and gaining commissions. Between 1886 and 1910, Villanis participated eleven times at the Salon. His seventeen sculptures exhibited during this time frame is indicative of the popularity of his art work. Villanis is today recognized as one of the foremost sculptors who worked in the Art Nouveau period.

This great heirloom French art piece will display magnificently and garner attention regardless of where you choose to locate her. She would look wonderful on a table, desk, library, music room, mantle, shelf, vanity, display cabinet or simply stand- alone that will showcase grandly. She would be a perfect addition to any French, European or Art Nouveau décor and would anchor any Art Nouveau or Villanis sculpture collection. This renowned bust is extremely décor versatile and widely collectible.

Height: 16 Inches Width: 9 inches Condition: Fine - Very Nice – No Damage - Only very minor age indicators or rubbing that only adds character to her 100+ years.

Please Review All Images

We will gladly and promptly answer all questions.

Make Sure you subscribe to "Beaux Arts et Antiquies." Shop Subscriptions are an easy way to remember your favorite shops. You can also receive Email alerts when items are added or changed, and also when a shop posts an Announcement.

Check back often as we are always listing additional Fine Art, Antiques and Vintage Collectibles.

We also offer a convenient no fee layaway plan for our clients to promote affordable investment in heirloom antiques!